by Ruth Langan
She nodded. “That’s part of its charm.”
“For a week or two maybe. After that, when people realize they can’t shop at high-priced boutiques, or reserve a table at a fancy restaurant, the charm starts to wear thin. How long do you think you can stand it, Miss McGrath?”
“I told you. For as long as my uncle needs me.”
“Even if it turns out to be months?”
She nodded. “That’s right.” She arched a brow. “Is that a look of skepticism, Detective?”
“Could be. Personally I doubt you’ll last more than a week or two before you get the urge to race back to civilization.”
“Is that so? You wouldn’t care to bet on that, would you?”
For the first time his lips curved slightly, the only hint of humor. “Are you asking a man of the law to gamble?”
“Afraid you’ll lose?”
He continued staring at her. “Are you a betting woman, Miss McGrath?”
“I’ve been known to make a wager or two.”
“Have you now?” He gave her a measuring look that had the heat rising to her cheeks. “Five bucks says you’re bored out of your mind and out of here within two weeks.” He stuck out his hand. “Deal?”
She glanced down at his hand, then up into those challenging eyes. “Oh, yeah. How can I resist such an easy way to make five dollars? You’re on, Detective.”
He closed his hand over hers and, too late, she remembered how she’d felt the first time his hand had held hers. The heat was back, racing along her spine, surging through her veins. But when she tried to pull free, he merely drew her closer, until his lips hovered just above hers. “My friends call me Thad.”
“Really?” She wanted to look away, but wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Instead she lifted her head, forcing herself to meet that steely gaze. “Then I guess I’ll call you Detective Law, because I don’t see the two of us becoming friends. Would you like to pay up now? Or are you going to make me wait until the two weeks are up?”
He chuckled. He’d give her this much. She didn’t back down. “You haven’t won anything yet, Miss McGrath. As for me, I think my job just got more interesting.”
“Your job?” She was suddenly alert as she yanked her hand free and studied him more carefully. “You’re…working here? I thought this was just a routine visit, and that you wouldn’t be back.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.”
For the first time she noticed the notepad in his other hand. Her voice lowered. “If this isn’t merely a routine check, does this mean something is wrong?”
He kept his features deliberately unreadable. “Sorry, Miss McGrath. I’m not at liberty to discuss my business with anyone except your uncle.”
“Of course.” She felt the sting of censure and wondered how it was that this man could make her feel so damnably awkward. In any other man his attitude would come across as pure arrogance, but she had the feeling that in Thad Law, it was simply the way he conducted business. No doubt he put up a wall between himself and every civilian he came in contact with.
“Well.” She took a step back, needing to put some distance between them so she could catch her breath. “Don’t let me stop you, Detective.”
Instead of giving her the space she so obviously wanted, he leaned close and watched the way her eyes narrowed. “I told you. It’s Thad. Why don’t you try it?”
“Why don’t you—” She drew in a breath when she saw the hint of humor in his eyes. She counted to ten, then tried again. “Okay. Why not? I guess I’ll be seeing you around, Thad.”
“You can count on it, Miss McGrath.”
“My name is Heather.”
He seemed to consider that a moment, as though fitting the name to the woman. “You can count on seeing me around, Heather.” He stood there a moment longer, feeling the tension hum between them. Then he turned on his heel.
She watched him walk away. It occurred to her that he didn’t so much walk as stalk. Like a panther on the trail of some poor, unsuspecting prey.
She shivered at the thought.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she waited until her breathing had returned to normal and her legs felt steady enough to carry her without stumbling. Then she headed in the opposite direction. She didn’t want to bump into Thaddeus Law again. There was something far too dark and dangerous about him.
Like a man who’d seen too much. And knew too many secrets. Secrets he had no intention of sharing with anyone.
But then, why should he? A man like that probably didn’t need anyone or anything. He gave every impression of being a law unto himself.
Thad headed toward Joe’s office. But though he mechanically noted the security sensors positioned overhead, his mind was still on Heather McGrath. When she’d first stepped into Joe Colton’s office, he’d felt like some sort of awestruck schoolboy. She was almost too perfect. Like every man’s ideal woman. Tall, willowy, with soft blue eyes and a turned-up nose. She even had perfect dimples when she smiled. And to top it off, all that smooth blond hair flowing like silk.
He’d had to touch it. Just to assure himself it was as soft as it looked. The jolt he’d been forced to endure had been worth it. It was the kind of hair a man wanted to sink his hands into.
And then there were those lips. So perfectly formed. The lower lip full and inviting. He’d been shocked by the urge to kiss her, to touch his mouth to hers and drink his fill.
The perfume she wore was intoxicating. Like crushed roses. When he’d breathed her in, she went straight to his head and sent it spinning.
A man could get addicted to a woman like that.
He’d been grateful for those few minutes to study her when she’d first arrived. It had given him the advantage when they’d been introduced.
Of course, that didn’t explain why he’d spent all that time studying her again when he’d come upon her just now.
He frowned. Men didn’t need a reason to look at a woman like that. It was the most natural thing in the world. And it wasn’t as if she didn’t know she was beautiful. How could she not be aware of it? She’d probably been stared at by men since she was old enough to wiggle those sexy hips.
He knew her type. In his line of work he’d come across dozens of women like her. Rich, pampered, adored. They took their beauty and their lifestyle for granted. And when things started to fall apart, so did they.
He’d be willing to bet that her idea of work was leeching off her rich uncle and talking endlessly on the phone to her friends. The first time she broke a fingernail she’d probably throw a tantrum.
Still, when they shook hands, he’d felt the heat clear to his toes. There was no denying she was one hot little female.
And, he figured, as long as he was going to be here conducting an investigation, he may as well enjoy the view. Even though he’d have to remember not to touch.
Heather McGrath was too rich for his blood.
He knocked, then opened the door when he heard Joe Colton’s voice summon him to enter.
“What’d you find, Thad?”
“It’s a good security system, as far as it goes. But I’d recommend that you add some refinements.”
Joe nodded. “Okay. That’s why I asked for your help. How soon can you have it done to your satisfaction?”
Thad shrugged. “A day or two. I can order the parts you need. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hire the workmen myself. No sense having strangers on the premises that haven’t passed a security check.”
Joe smiled. “Whatever you say, Thad. Can you stay for lunch?”
“No, thanks.” Thad turned away. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”
When the door closed behind him, Peter McGrath gave Joe a long, measuring look. “Seems to me you’re going to a lot of trouble for a man who doesn’t think anything’s wrong.”
Joe clapped a hand on his foster brother’s shoulder. “After what’s happened lately, I’ve decided to wise up and take precautions. Besides, my favorite
niece plans on living and working here now. I’d like to think that all these security measures will give you and Andie some peace of mind.”
Peter nodded, thinking of the way his wife, Andie, had reacted when she’d heard what Heather planned to do. She liked having her daughter close. “You’re right, of course. I’m grateful that you’re finally ready to put your safety in the hands of an expert.”
At the appearance of the housekeeper, Inez, announcing that lunch was ready, the two men made their way to the beautiful dining room, overlooking the courtyard. They met Heather just coming from the other direction.
“Will Aunt Meredith be joining us?” she called cheerfully.
Joe shook his head. “Meredith never eats lunch here. In fact, she’s rarely at home. That’s just one more reason why I’m so glad you’re here, sweetheart. You’ll be great company. Besides, your father assures me that you’re an expert at whipping an office into shape.”
As the three were seated they could see, through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Thaddeus Law walking to his car.
“Speaking of experts.” Peter nodded toward the figure of the officer. “I wouldn’t want to mess with Detective Law. He looks like he could take on an entire gang of gunmen without flinching.”
“Yeah.” Joe laughed. “And spit out their bullets if they were foolish enough to fire at him.”
The two men shared a laugh while Heather merely watched in silence as the man they were discussing tossed his jacket on the passenger seat before stepping inside and driving away in a cloud of dust.
Somehow she had the impression that her father and uncle weren’t too far from the truth.
Two
Heather showered and dressed quickly, in a simple turtleneck and jeans, eager to begin her first day at the ranch. She ran a brush through her hair and tied it back with a clip, then let herself out of her room and danced barefoot down the stairs.
She knew that the tender farewell scene with her father yesterday had been much harder on him than on her. He’d felt that he was losing his baby, and had actually said as much. For her part, she felt only a sense of freedom. For the next few weeks or months she would have no commitments. Her only responsibility was to her uncle and his business affairs. That was a level of comfort that suited her far more than the corporate setting she’d had to adapt to for the past couple of years.
She smiled to herself. She was sick of business suits and cramming her feet into high-heeled pumps. Bored with long-winded presentations and working lunches. Weary of dressing up at night for black-tie charity events, and making small talk with high-powered executives who always seemed to have one eye on the media.
In the kitchen she was thrilled to discover that she was the first one up. She plugged in the coffeemaker before rummaging through the cupboards. When she located some cereal she poured a bowl, topped it with milk, and grabbed up a spoon before heading out the door. On the porch she settled herself on the top step and leaned her back against the railing, enjoying the spectacular sunrise while she ate.
The sky was ablaze with ribbons of pink and mauve and deep purple. The air was warm and dry, with just a hint of the perfume of jewel-colored dianthus and ivy in nearby terracotta planters.
Heather saw a blur of movement out of the corner of her eye and turned to look, her spoon halfway to her mouth. She nearly bobbled the spoon when she realized it was Thad Law. But this wasn’t the man in the rumpled suit that she’d met the previous day. This was a man in snug jeans and denim shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, which displayed a toned, muscled body. She knew men in her parents’ country club who worked out daily with personal trainers, hoping for a body like his.
In his arms was a cardboard box and a length of electrical wire.
Thad caught sight of her at the same moment and paused in mid-stride. Then he quickly recovered and walked closer. “’Morning.”
“Good morning. I didn’t expect to see you here this early.”
He set down his burden on the bottom step and straightened, regarding her with that piercing look. “I might say the same for you.”
She smiled easily. “I’ve always loved the morning.” She nodded toward the cereal. “Have you had your breakfast?”
“Yeah.” He arched a brow. “I didn’t take you for the cereal type.”
“Really? And what type did you think I’d be?”
“The eggs Benedict type, I guess. Or maybe the type that skips breakfast to leave room for quiche at lunch.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.” She spooned up the last of her cereal and set aside the bowl to stretch out her legs along the top step. “I made coffee. It’s on the counter inside. Help yourself.”
“Thanks.” As he started up the steps she drew her feet up to allow him to pass by. “As long as I’m pouring, would you like some?”
“Sure.”
“Cream or sugar?”
“No thanks. I take it black.”
He strode into the kitchen and returned minutes later with two cups of steaming coffee. Without a word he handed one to her.
He thought he’d prepared himself for that quick sizzle of heat, but it still managed to catch him by surprise when their fingers brushed.
He leaned his back against the rail and sipped in silence.
Heather sighed. “This is beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.” He sipped. Stared. And enjoyed the view. Not just the sunrise, but also the sight of the young woman who looked better in a shirt and jeans than anyone he’d ever seen. “Worth getting up early for.”
Heather nodded toward the supplies. “What’s all this for?”
“Some security devices I want added to your uncle’s system.”
“Are you going to install it yourself?”
He shook his head. “I have some workmen coming. I just wanted to check the system and make sure I had everything I needed before they get here. No point in wasting your uncle’s time and money.”
She shot him an astonished look.
He narrowed his eyes. “What?”
She shrugged. “I’m just a little surprised. Not too many people worry about someone else’s money.”
“I suppose such things don’t matter to you.” He saw her smile fade and wished he could take back his words.
“Of course they do. But he’s my uncle. I figured you’d see him as just another rich guy in need of security, no matter what the price.”
His voice lowered with temper. “Is that what you think of me?”
“Look, Thad.” She got to her feet, coffee sloshing over the rim of her cup. “I don’t know what to think. I came here to help my uncle. Apparently you did the same. So why don’t you just do your job and ignore me.”
As she started to sweep past him, his fingers closed around her upper arm and he dragged her close. “I wish I could. In fact, I’d really like to try. But I’m afraid it might prove impossible.” His voice roughened. “I haven’t figured you out yet, Heather McGrath. Yesterday you could have been the cover model for California Career Woman, all buttoned up in that tasteful little designer suit. This morning you look like a college student on mid-term break.” His gaze swept her, from her bare toes to her ponytail, bringing high color to her cheeks. “Either way, I’m sure you’re aware of the fact that it’s impossible for a man not to notice you.”
He saw her eyes widen with surprise before narrowing to angry slits. It was the most fascinating thing to see. Even while her chin was lifting, he could almost feel her spine stiffening and white-hot fury seething through her veins.
“I don’t care how you see me, or if you see me at all. If you value your job here, I suggest you take your hand off me immediately.”
He lowered his hand to his side, and marveled at the tingling in his fingertips. The mere touch of her had started a fire in his veins that was burning a path of heat directly to his loins.
She took a step back. “Apparently you’ve decided to dislike me on principle. Maybe it’s because I remind you o
f somebody. Or maybe I’m just a convenient target for some misplaced anger. Whatever the problem, Detective Law, it’s yours, not mine. So deal with it. And in the meantime let’s just keep out of each other’s way.”
“I think that’d be wise.” He reached down and took the cup from her hand.
At her arched brow he simply said, “In your present state of mind, I’d hate to have you toss it at me. It’s too hot.”
She almost laughed as he turned away and tossed the coffee over the railing into some rosebushes, before carrying the cups to the kitchen.
By the time he returned, she’d walked to the far end of the porch and kept her back to him as he descended the steps and picked up his supplies.
As he walked away, a smile flitted across his lips. Damned if she wasn’t just about irresistible when she got that temper up. He’d had all he could do to keep from dragging her against him and kissing those pouting lips.
It’s a good thing he hadn’t. A woman like that would probably go running to her uncle crying harassment. He’d had enough sensitivity training sessions to know a police officer had to hold himself to a higher standard.
Still, it hadn’t been easy. There was just something about Heather McGrath that brought out the beast in him.
“A little higher.” Thad stood on the ground, directing two workmen on ladders who were installing security cameras on the back of the house. Both would focus on the nearby hill. One lens gave a wide-angle view, the other a zoom, to be used for close-up shots of anyone trespassing.
In his hand was a palm-sized monitor showing what would appear on a much larger screen in Joe Colton’s office.
“Okay. That’s perfect.” He switched off the monitor and was just turning away when he saw Heather and Joe coming across the lawn, heads bent close in earnest conversation.
He’d seen them go out earlier, and had assumed Joe’s niece had talked him into taking her to town. Apparently they had just walked some of the property.
Joe was laughing. A rare sound these days. And a much-welcome one. Heather’s answering laughter drifted on the breeze, as musical as fine wind chimes.
